Google News RSS

U.S. and Israel launch a major attack on Iran as Trump urges Iranians to 'take over your government' - PBS

2/28/2026, 9:00:53 PM

A dramatic escalation overseas is unfolding alongside a fast-moving domestic dispute over Epstein-related testimony and claims. Multiple outlets report the U.S. and Israel launched a major attack on Iran, with President Trump urging Iranians to “take over your government,” while Axios says Trump is also floating “off ramps.” Separately, Epstein-related coverage intensifies: Rep. Mace says she’ll call Commerce chief Lutnick to testify, as Bill Clinton testifies he knew “nothing” of Epstein crimes and a media dispute flares over claims about Trump and Epstein’s plane. A White House post highlights Trump’s energy remarks, adding a policy backdrop to a news cycle dominated by security and accountability questions.

A dramatic escalation overseas is unfolding alongside a fast-moving domestic dispute over Epstein-related testimony and claims.

Multiple outlets report the U.S. and Israel launched a major attack on Iran, with President Trump urging Iranians to “take over your government,” while Axios says Trump is also floating “off ramps.” Separately, Epstein-related coverage intensifies: Rep. Mace says she’ll call Commerce chief Lutnick to testify, as Bill Clinton testifies he knew “nothing” of Epstein crimes and a media dispute flares over claims about Trump and Epstein’s plane. A White House post highlights Trump’s energy remarks, adding a policy backdrop to a news cycle dominated by security and accountability questions.

Key points

PBS reports a major U.S.-Israel attack on Iran and notes Trump urging Iranians to “take over your government.”
Axios reports Trump is floating “off ramps” after attacking Iran, signaling an effort to shape what comes next.
CNBC reports Rep. Mace says she’ll call Trump Commerce chief Lutnick to testify in connection with Epstein files.
BBC reports Bill Clinton was asked about a hot tub photo and testified he knew “nothing” of Epstein crimes.
The Guardian reports a Fox News host and former Trump aide falsely claimed the president was never on Epstein’s plane.
The White House posted Trump’s Feb. 27 energy remarks, keeping domestic policy messaging in the mix.

Why it matters

The Iran strike coverage pairs escalation with talk of “off ramps,” raising high-stakes questions about objectives, duration, and possible de-escalation pathways.
The Epstein-related stories suggest a widening political and media conflict that could pull in senior administration figures and reignite scrutiny around prominent names.
Competing narratives—especially around disputed claims—raise the risk that public debate shifts from documentation and testimony to information warfare.

What to watch

Whether Trump’s described “off ramps” translate into concrete next steps following the reported attack on Iran.
Whether Rep. Mace follows through on calling Commerce chief Lutnick to testify and how that process is framed publicly.
Further reporting and clarification around disputed claims tied to Epstein travel and testimony.

Briefing

The dominant storyline is an abrupt and consequential escalation with Iran. PBS reports the U.S. and Israel launched a major attack, and highlights President Trump urging Iranians to “take over your government.”

At the same time, Axios reports Trump is floating “off ramps” after the attack. The coexistence of forceful action and de-escalation language suggests a push to define both immediate impact and an exit path—though the specifics of those “off ramps” are not detailed in the headline and remain uncertain.

While foreign policy consumes attention, an Epstein-related domestic fight continues to expand. CNBC reports Rep. Mace says she’ll call Trump Commerce chief Lutnick to testify, a development that could move the story from commentary into formal questioning.

The BBC adds another high-profile thread: Bill Clinton testified he knew “nothing” of Epstein crimes and was asked about a hot tub photo. That testimony, as described in the headline, underscores how the issue continues to pull prominent figures into public proceedings.

A separate media dispute is also intensifying. The Guardian reports a Fox News host and former Trump aide falsely claimed the president was never on Epstein’s plane, highlighting how the controversy is being argued not only in official settings but also through competing assertions in the media.

CNN points to potential political blowback in “Why the Clintons’ ordeal might end up backfiring on Trump,” suggesting the wider Epstein debate could carry unpredictable consequences. The White House, meanwhile, is also promoting Trump’s Feb. 27 energy remarks, a reminder that the administration is trying to keep policy messaging visible amid fast-moving, high-drama headlines.

Sources